SIMON PHIPPS

In Acts 6:1-17 we see a curious scene. We find ourselves in Jerusalem , and the fledgling church is growing and has set about providing food for the widows in Jerusalem. To be a widow at this time would have been a difficult life. Typically being a widow meant that you were too old to re-marry, and couldn't work. Caring for widows and orphans was a major part of Jewish culture and history (Deuteronomy 14:29, Psalm 68:5, Isaiah 10:2, Malachi 3:5 etc.), and was also a particular concern for Luke - the author of Luke & Acts (Luke 2:36-38, Luke 18:1-8, Luke 20:47, Luke 21:1-3, Acts 9:36-43). The section also distinguishes between two types of people there at the time: Hebraic Jews Hellenistic Jews Hebraic Jews were the natives in that place. They represent the dominant people group in that area. Hellenistic Jews were Jews who had moved to Jerusalem from outside of Palestine (diaspora Jews), therefore their culture and language were much more influen...

For anybody who is planning on reading some N. T. Wright and want's to know if this book is for them, or if you have read it and want a quick review to keep it fresh, or if you just want to get a quick grip on N. T. Wright's thought, then this post is for you. If you want to buy the book here is a link (please note that this is an affiliate link, which means that if you do buy the book then I get a little of money from wordery) My Top Five Takeaways The importance of Creation and Covenant throughout scripture . - I will never be able to read Psalm 19 in the same way again. What I love about this is the combination both of what God has done and what God is doing; what is taking place within the Church, but also, what God is doing outside of the Church Jesus is Lord means that Caesar is not - and the associated political ramifications of this. We set up many "Lords" in our life, but there can only be one. Don't just write off books claiming Pauline au...